Battery

ABSTRACT

A battery includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion includes a first positive electrode layer, a first negative electrode layer, and a first solid electrolyte layer located between the first positive electrode layer and the first negative electrode layer, in which the second portion includes a second positive electrode layer, a second negative electrode layer, and a second solid electrolyte layer located between the second positive electrode layer and the second negative electrode layer, in which the first portion and the second portion are in contact with each other, the second portion is more sharply bent than the first portion, the first solid electrolyte layer contains a first binder, the second solid electrolyte layer contains a second binder, and the second solid electrolyte layer containing the second binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the first solid electrolyte layer containing the first binder.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/126,142 filed Sep. 10, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/267,055 filed Sep. 15, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No.10,103,407), which claims the benefit of Japanese Application No.2015-196338 filed Oct. 2, 2015, the entire contents of each are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a battery.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-093404discloses a lithium secondary battery including a laminate formed of apositive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode, the laminatehaving a bend portion, a positive-electrode plate and anegative-electrode plate located at the bend portion each having anuncoated portion, and the uncoated portion being covered with aninsulating tape.

SUMMARY

In the related art, a battery with high energy density has beenrequired.

In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a batteryincluding a first portion and a second portion, in which the firstportion includes a first positive electrode layer, a first negativeelectrode layer, and a first solid electrolyte layer located between thefirst positive electrode layer and the first negative electrode layer,in which the second portion includes a second positive electrode layer,a second negative electrode layer, and a second solid electrolyte layerlocated between the second positive electrode layer and the secondnegative electrode layer, in which the first portion and the secondportion are in contact with each other, the second portion is moresharply bent than the first portion, the first solid electrolyte layercontains a first binder, the second solid electrolyte layer contains asecond binder, and the second solid electrolyte layer containing thesecond binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the firstsolid electrolyte layer containing the first binder.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery withhigh energy density is produced.

Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments willbecome apparent from the specification and drawings. The benefits and/oradvantages may be individually obtained by the various embodiments andfeatures of the specification and drawings, which need not all beprovided in order to obtain one or more of such benefits and/oradvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a modification of the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a modification of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a modification of the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a modification of the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a modification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a modification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery according to a modification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery according to a modification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery according to a modification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery according to a modification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a method for producing a negative electrode NE;

FIG. 14 illustrates a method for producing a positive electrode PE;

FIG. 15 illustrates a method for producing a battery;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a modification of the third embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a modification of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a modification of the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a modification of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a modification of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a modification of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a modification of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery according to a modification of the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 28 illustrates a method for producing a positive electrode sideportion Pp of a bipolar electrode;

FIG. 29 illustrates a method for producing a bipolar electrode BU1;

FIG. 30 illustrates a method for producing a battery; and

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery by step B8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the attacheddrawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 1000 according to a first embodiment.

The battery 1000 according to the first embodiment includes a firstportion 101 and a second portion 102.

The first portion 101 includes a first positive electrode layer PA11, afirst negative electrode layer NA11, and a first solid electrolyte layerSE11.

The first solid electrolyte layer SE11 is located between the firstpositive electrode layer PA11 and the first negative electrode layerNA11.

The second portion 102 includes a second positive electrode layer PA12,a second negative electrode layer NA12, and a second solid electrolytelayer SE12.

The second solid electrolyte layer SE12 is located between the secondpositive electrode layer PA12 and the second negative electrode layerNA12.

The first portion 101 and the second portion 102 are in contact witheach other.

The second portion 102 is more sharply bent than the first portion 101.

At least one of the first positive electrode layer PA11, the firstnegative electrode layer NA11, and the first solid electrolyte layerSE11 contains a first binder.

At least one of the second positive electrode layer PA12, the secondnegative electrode layer NA12, and the second solid electrolyte layerSE12 contains a second binder.

The second binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the firstbinder. For example, the second binder-containing layer (the secondpositive electrode layer PA12, the second solid electrolyte layer SE12,or the second negative electrode layer NA12) has higher flexibility thana flexibility of the first binder-containing layer (the first positiveelectrode layer PA11, the first solid electrolyte layer SE11, or thefirst negative electrode layer NA11).

The battery with the foregoing structure has high energy density.

For example, in a battery including an inorganic solid electrolyte, abinder is used in order to strongly bond particles together or particlesto a current collector.

For example, a positive electrode mixture layer (positive electrodelayer) may contain a positive electrode active material, an inorganicsolid electrolyte, and a binder. An inorganic solid electrolyte layermay contain the inorganic solid electrolyte and the binder. A negativeelectrode mixture layer (negative electrode layer) may contain anegative electrode active material, the inorganic solid electrolyte, andthe binder.

The incorporation of the binder inhibits the separation of contactpoints between particles or between particles and a current collectorattributed to, for example, strain or internal stresses due to a bendportion formed by the winding or bending of the battery. This results inan increase in the energy density of the battery.

A binder, in particular, a binder having high flexibility, is composedof an insulating substance that does not conduct a lithium ion or anelectron. Thus, when the binder contained in the positive electrodemixture layer, the inorganic solid electrolyte layer, and/or thenegative electrode mixture layer is highly flexible, thecharge-discharge characteristics of the battery are degraded, therebyreducing the energy density.

In a battery including a liquid electrolyte, for example, the liquidelectrolyte is easily charged into small voids formed between a positiveelectrode active material in a positive electrode mixture layer and abinder, thereby forming a good interface between the active material andthe electrolyte.

For example, in a battery including an inorganic solid electrolyte, itis difficult to charge the inorganic solid electrolyte into such smallvoids. Thus, a good interface between the active material and theelectrolyte is not formed, thereby degrading the charge-dischargecharacteristics.

A binder having low flexibility fails to follow bending, so thatcracking or strain is liable to occur. Thus, the use of the binderhaving low flexibility for a bend portion (for example, the secondportion) reduces the charge-discharge capacity.

The binder having low flexibility is less likely to inhibit activematerial particles from coming into contact with each other. Thisincreases the conductivity of ions or electrons between the activematerial particles, thereby increasing the charge-discharge capacity perunit weight of an active material. Thus, the use of the binder havinglow flexibility in a linear portion (for example, the first portion)results in a battery with high energy density, compared with the case ofusing a binder having high flexibility.

A binder having high flexibility (for example, a rubbery binder) coverssurfaces of active material particles and binds the active materialparticles together. Thus, the conductivity of ions or electrons betweenthe active material particles is low. In other words, thecharge-discharge capacity per unit weight of the active material is low.Thus, the use of the binder having high flexibility in the linearportion (for example, the first portion) reduces the charge-dischargecapacity, compared with the case of using a binder having lowflexibility (for example, a fluorine-based binder).

The binder having high flexibility can follow bending, so that crackingor strain is less likely to occur. Thus, the use of the binder havinghigh flexibility in the bend portion (for example, the second portion)inhibits a reduction in charge-discharge capacity.

In the structure according to the first embodiment, the binder havinghigh flexibility is used in the second portion (for example, the bendportion) of the battery to which strain or internal stresses areapplied. The binder having low flexibility is used in the first portion(for example, the linear portion).

Thus, in the structure according to the first embodiment, the use of thebinder having high flexibility inhibits a reduction in energy densitydue to strain or internal stresses in the second portion (for example,the bend portion). Furthermore, the use of the binder having lowflexibility inhibits a reduction in energy density due to the inhibitionof contact between the active material particles caused by the binder inthe first portion (for example, the linear portion).

Thus, this structure results in the battery with high energy density,compared with a structure in which the binder having high flexibility iscontained in both of the linear portion and the bend portion.Furthermore, this structure results in the battery with high energydensity, compared with a structure in which the binder having lowflexibility is contained in both of the linear portion and the bendportion.

As disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.2002-093404, in a structure that does not include a mixture layer in abend portion, strain or stress is not generated. However, electricity isnot generated in the uncoated portion (that is, a bend portion without amixture layer). Thus, the energy density of the battery is low.

In contrast, in the structure according to the first embodiment, thepositive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, and the solidelectrolyte layer are arranged also in the second portion (for example,the bend portion).

Thus, the battery having the structure according to the first embodimenthas high energy density, compared with a structure in which no mixturelayer is arranged in the bend portion.

In the first embodiment, the second solid electrolyte layer SE12containing the second binder may have higher flexibility than aflexibility of the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 containing thefirst binder.

The foregoing structure results in the battery with higher energydensity. The solid electrolyte layer mainly contains a solidelectrolyte. Specifically, the solid electrolyte layer contains a largeramount of the solid electrolyte (solid electrolyte particles) than thosein other layers. The second solid electrolyte layer SE12 contains thesecond binder and thus has higher flexibility. This inhibits theoccurrence of cracking or strain between the solid electrolyte particlescontained in a large amount in the second solid electrolyte layer SE12,thereby further inhibiting the reduction in charge-discharge capacity.The first solid electrolyte layer SE11 contains the first binder andthus suppresses the inhibition of contact between the solid electrolyteparticles caused by the binder, the solid electrolyte particles beingcontained in a large amount in the first solid electrolyte layer SE11,thereby increasing the charge-discharge capacity.

The first portion 101 may be arranged in the form of a line (plane).

The first portion 101 may be more gently bent than the second portion102.

The first portion 101 may not be, for example, a bend portion of abattery with a winding or zigzag structure.

The second portion 102 may be, for example, a bend portion of a batterywith a winding or zigzag structure.

The first portion 101 and the second portion 102 may have the samethickness.

The first portion 101 and the second portion 102 may have differentthicknesses.

The degree of flexibility of a binder (for example, the degree offlexibility of a layer containing the binder) may be determined by abending test described below.

A layer containing a binder (a positive electrode layer, a solidelectrolyte layer, or a negative electrode layer) is bent along thecircumference of a round bar having a predetermined diameter.

At this time, whether a material (for example, a positive electrodematerial, a solid electrolyte, or a negative electrode material) isdetached from the layer containing the binder by the bending isobserved.

In the case where no material is detached, the round bar is changed to around bar having a smaller diameter, and then the bending test as towhether the material is detached is repeated until the material isdetached.

At a smaller diameter of the round bar used at the time of the firstoccurrence of the detachment of the material evaluates, the binder isdetermined as a binder having higher flexibility. In other words, thelayer containing the binder (the positive electrode layer, the solidelectrolyte layer, or the negative electrode layer) is determined as alayer having higher flexibility.

The first binder may be an organic binder.

The foregoing structure further inhibits the reduction in energy densitydue to the inhibition of contact between the active material particlescaused by the binder while the effect of the binder is furthermaintained in the first portion (for example, the linear portion),thereby resulting in the battery with higher energy density.

The first binder may be a fluorine-based binder. Examples of thefluorine-based binder that may be used include polyvinylidene fluoride(PVdF), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymers (FEP),tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoroethylene copolymers, Teflon (registeredtrademark) binders, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ethercopolymers (PFA), vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymers,vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymers,ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers (ETFE resins),polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), vinylidenefluoride-hexafluoropropylene-tetrafluoroethylene terpolymers, vinylidenefluoride-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers, andethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymers (ECTFE).

The fluorine-based binder is in the form of fibers. The fibrousfluorine-based binder brings the active material particles into contactwith one another and thus is less likely to inhibit the contact of theactive material particles. The use of the fluorine-based binder servingas the first binder further inhibits the reduction in energy density dueto the inhibition of contact between the active material particlescaused by the binder in the first portion (for example, the linearportion) while the effect of the binder is further maintained. Thisresults in the battery with higher energy density.

The first binder may be at least one selected from the group consistingof carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene oxide,polypropylene oxide, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate,polymethyl acrylate, polymethacrylic acid, metal salts ofpolymethacrylic acid, polyacrylic acid, metal salts of polyacrylic acid,polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethyleneimine,polymethacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamic acid, polyamide-imide,polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate,nitrocellulose, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers crosslinked with (Nat) ions,ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acidcopolymers crosslinked with (Nat) ions, ethylene-methyl acrylatecopolymers, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers crosslinked with (Nat)ions, ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-methylmethacrylate copolymers crosslinked with (Na) ions, polymers containingmonoalkyltrialkoxysilane polymers, and polymers prepared bycopolymerization of monoalkyltrialkoxysilane polymers andtetraalkoxysilane monomers.

The foregoing structure further inhibits the reduction in energy densitydue to the inhibition of contact between the active material particlescaused by the binder while the effect of the binder is furthermaintained in the first portion (for example, the linear portion),thereby resulting in the battery with higher energy density.

A single material selected from the materials described above may beused as the first binder.

Alternatively, two or more of the materials described above may be usedas the first binder in combination.

The second binder may be a rubbery binder.

The foregoing structure further reduces the effect of strain or internalstresses generated in the second portion (for example, the bendportion). This further inhibits degradation in charge-dischargecharacteristics due to strain or internal stresses, thereby resulting inthe battery with higher energy density.

The second binder may be at least one selected from the group consistingof styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR),styrene-isoprene copolymers, isobutylene-isoprene copolymers (butylrubber), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers, acrylonitrile-butadienecopolymers (NBR), hydrogenated styrene-butadiene rubber, hydrogenatedacrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, ethylene-propylene diene monomerrubber (EPDM), and sulfonated ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber.

The foregoing structure further reduces the effect of strain or internalstresses generated in the second portion (for example, the bendportion). This further inhibits degradation in charge-dischargecharacteristics due to strain or internal stresses, thereby resulting inthe battery with higher energy density.

A single material selected from the materials described above may beused as the second binder.

Alternatively, two or more of the materials described above may be usedas the second binder in combination.

All the first positive electrode layer PA11, the first negativeelectrode layer NA11, and the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 maycontain the same type of the first binder.

The first positive electrode layer PA11, the first negative electrodelayer NA11, and the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 may containdifferent types of the first binder.

One or two of the first positive electrode layer PA11, the firstnegative electrode layer NA11, and the first solid electrolyte layerSE11 may not contain the first binder.

All the second positive electrode layer PA12, the second negativeelectrode layer NA12, and the second solid electrolyte layer SE12 maycontain the same type of the second binder.

The second positive electrode layer PA12, the second negative electrodelayer NA12, and the second solid electrolyte layer SE12 may containdifferent types of the second binder.

One or two of the second positive electrode layer PA12, the secondnegative electrode layer NA12, and the second solid electrolyte layerSE12 may not contain the second binder.

The second binder content of the layer containing the second binder (forexample, the percent by weight (% by weight) of the second binder withrespect to the total weight of the layer containing the second binder)may be equal to the first binder content of the layer containing thefirst binder (for example, the percent by weight (% by weight) of thefirst binder with respect to the total weight of the layer containingthe first binder) as long as the layer containing the second binder hashigher flexibility than a flexibility of the layer containing the firstbinder.

The second binder content (% by weight) of the layer containing thesecond binder may be higher than the first binder content (% by weight)of the layer containing the first binder as long as the layer containingthe second binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the layercontaining the first binder.

The second binder content (% by weight) of the layer containing thesecond binder may be lower than the first binder content (% by weight)of the layer containing the first binder as long as the layer containingthe second binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the layercontaining the first binder.

Each of the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 and the second solidelectrolyte layer SE12 contains a solid electrolyte.

Examples of the solid electrolyte that may be used include inorganicsolid electrolytes.

Examples of inorganic solid electrolytes that may be used include oxidesolid electrolytes and sulfide solid electrolytes.

Examples of oxide solid electrolytes that may be used includeNASICON-type solid electrolytes, typified by LiTi₂(PO₄)₃ andsubstitution products thereof; (LaLi)TiO₃-based perovskite-type solidelectrolytes; LISICON-type solid electrolytes, typified by Li₁₄ZnGe₄O₁₆,Li₄SiO₄, Li₄Geo₄, and substitution products thereof; garnet-type solidelectrolytes, typified by Li₇La₃Zr₂Oi₂ and substitution productsthereof; Li₃N and H-substituted products thereof; and Li₃PO₄ andN-substituted products thereof.

Examples of sulfide solid electrolytes that may be used includeLi₂S—P₂S₅, Li₂S—SiS₂, Li₂S—B₂S₃, Li₂S—GeS₂,Li_(3.25)Ge_(0.25)P_(0.75)S₄, and Li₁₀GeP₂S₁₂. These sulfide solidelectrolytes may further contain, for example, LiX (where X denotes F,Cl, Br, or I), MO_(y), or Li_(x)MO_(y) (where M denotes any one of P,Si, Ge, B, Al, Ga, and In; and x and y each denote a natural number).Li₂S—P₂S₅ has high ionic conductivity, is less likely to be reduced at alow potential, and has low particle hardness. Thus, the use of Li₂S—P₂S₅facilitates the formation of a battery and results in a battery withhigh energy density.

Each of the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 and the second solidelectrolyte layer SE12 may have a thickness of 1 to 100 μm. A thicknessof the solid electrolyte layer less than 1 μm results in an increase inthe possibility of a short circuit between the positive electrode layerand the negative electrode layer. A thickness of the solid electrolytelayer more than 100 μm can make it difficult to operate a battery at ahigh output power.

The solid electrolyte in the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 and thesolid electrolyte in the second solid electrolyte layer SE12 may becomposed of the same material and may have the same structure.

Alternatively, the solid electrolyte in the first solid electrolytelayer SE11 and the solid electrolytes in the second solid electrolytelayer SE12 may be composed of different materials from each other or mayhave different structures from each other.

The first solid electrolyte layer SE11 and the second solid electrolytelayer SE12 may be in contact with each other.

Each of the first positive electrode layer PA11 and the second positiveelectrode layer PA12 may contain a positive electrode active material.

Each of the first positive electrode layer PA11 and the second positiveelectrode layer PA12 may be a positive electrode mixture layercontaining the positive electrode active material and the solidelectrolyte.

The positive electrode active material may be, for example, a materialthat occludes and releases metal ions. The positive electrode activematerial may be, for example, a material that occludes and releaseslithium ions. Examples of the positive electrode active material thatmay be used include lithium-containing transition metal oxides,transition metal fluorides, polyanion and fluorinated polyanionmaterials, and transition metal sulfide. The use of a lithiumion-containing transition metal oxide reduces the production cost andincreases the average discharge voltage.

The positive electrode mixture layer may have a thickness of 10 to 500μm. A thickness of the positive electrode mixture layer less than 10 μmcan make it difficult to sufficiently ensure the energy density of thebattery. A thickness of the positive electrode mixture layer more than500 μm can make it difficult to operate the battery at a high outputpower.

The positive electrode active material in the first positive electrodelayer PA11 and the positive electrode active material in the secondpositive electrode layer PA12 may be composed of the same material andmay have the same structure.

Alternatively, the positive electrode active material in the firstpositive electrode layer PA11 and the positive electrode active materialin the second positive electrode layer PA12 may be composed of differentmaterials from each other and may have different structures from eachother.

The first positive electrode layer PA11 and the second positiveelectrode layer PA12 may be in contact with each other.

Each of the first negative electrode layer NA11 and the second negativeelectrode layer NA12 contains a negative electrode active material.

Each of the first negative electrode layer NA11 and the second negativeelectrode layer NA12 may be a negative electrode mixture layercontaining the negative electrode active material and the solidelectrolyte.

The negative electrode active material may be, for example, a materialthat occludes and releases metal ions. The negative electrode activematerial may be, for example, a material that occludes and releaseslithium ions. Examples of the negative electrode active material thatmay be used include metallic lithium, metals and alloys reactive withlithium to form alloys, carbon, transition metal oxides, and transitionmetal sulfides. Examples of carbon that may be used include graphite andnon-graphite-based carbon materials, such as hard carbon and coke.Examples of transition metal oxides that may be used include CuO andNiO. Examples of transition metal sulfides that may be used includecopper sulfide denoted as CuS. As metals and alloys reactive withlithium to form alloys, for example, alloys of lithium and siliconcompounds, tin compounds, or aluminum compounds may be used. The use ofcarbon reduces the production cost and increases the average dischargevoltage.

The negative electrode mixture layer may have a thickness of 10 to 500μm. A thickness of the negative electrode mixture layer less than 10 μmcan make it difficult to sufficiently ensure the energy density of thebattery. A thickness of the negative electrode mixture layer more than500 μm can make it difficult to operate the battery at a high outputpower.

The negative electrode active material in the first negative electrodelayer NA11 and the negative electrode active material in the secondnegative electrode layer NA12 may be composed of the same material andmay have the same structure.

Alternatively, the negative electrode active material in the firstnegative electrode layer NA11 and the negative electrode active materialin the second negative electrode layer NA12 may be composed of differentmaterials from each other and may have different structures from eachother.

The first negative electrode layer NA11 and the second negativeelectrode layer NA12 may be in contact with each other.

The battery 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a positive electrodecurrent collector PC.

The positive electrode current collector PC is in contact with the firstpositive electrode layer PA11 and the second positive electrode layerPA12.

Examples of the positive electrode current collector that may be usedinclude porous and nonporous sheets and films composed of metalmaterials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and alloysthereof. Aluminum and alloys thereof are inexpensive and are easilyformed into thin films. The sheets and the films may be formed of metalfoil or meshes.

The positive electrode current collector may have a thickness of 1 to 30μm. A thickness of the positive electrode current collector less than 1μm leads to insufficient mechanical strength, thereby easily causing thecracking or breaking of the current collector. A thickness of thepositive electrode current collector more than 30 μm can result in areduction in the energy density of the battery.

The positive electrode current collector PC may be provided with apositive electrode terminal.

The battery 1000 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a negative electrodecurrent collector NC.

The negative electrode current collector NC is in contact with the firstnegative electrode layer NA11 and the second negative electrode layerNA12.

Examples of the negative electrode current collector that may be usedinclude porous and nonporous sheets and films composed of metalmaterials, such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, and alloys thereof.Copper and alloys thereof are inexpensive and are easily formed intothin films. The sheets and the films may be formed of metal foil ormeshes.

The negative electrode current collector may have a thickness of 1 to 30μm. A thickness of the negative electrode current collector less than 1μm leads to insufficient mechanical strength, thereby easily causing thecracking or breaking of the current collector. A thickness of thenegative electrode current collector more than 30 μm can result in areduction in the energy density of the battery.

The negative electrode current collector NC may be provided with anegative electrode terminal.

Each of the positive electrode mixture layer and the negative electrodemixture layer may contain a conductive assistant in order to reduce theelectrode resistance.

Examples of the conductive assistant that may be used include graphites,such as natural graphite and artificial graphite, carbon blacks, such asacetylene black and Ketjenblack, conductive fibers, such as carbonfibers and metal fibers, carbon fluorides, powders of metals, such asaluminum, conductive whiskers of, for example, zinc oxide and potassiumtitanate, conductive metal oxides, such as titanium oxide, andconductive polymers, such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, andpolythiophene. The use of the carbon conductive assistant reduces costs.

The thickness D_(p1) of the first positive electrode layer PA11 and thethickness D_(p2) of the second positive electrode layer PA12 may beequal to each other.

The thickness D_(e1) of the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 and thethickness Dee of the second solid electrolyte layer SE12 may be equal toeach other.

The thickness D_(n1) of the first negative electrode layer NA11 and thethickness D_(n2) of the second negative electrode layer NA12 may beequal to each other.

The thicknesses of the layers in the first portion 101 may be differentfrom those of the layers in the second portion 102.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 1100 according to a modification of the first embodiment.

In the battery 1100 illustrated in FIG. 2, D_(p1)>D_(p2) is satisfied.

In the foregoing structure, the positive electrode layer in the secondportion (for example, the bend portion) is thinner than the positiveelectrode layer in the first portion (for example, the linear portion),so that strain or internal stresses generated in the second portion (forexample, the bend portion) are further reduced. This further inhibitsdegradation in charge-discharge characteristics due to strain orinternal stresses, thereby resulting in the battery with higher energydensity.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 1200 according to a modification of the first embodiment.

In the battery 1200 illustrated in FIG. 3, D_(n1)>D_(n2) is satisfied.

In the foregoing structure, the negative electrode layer in the secondportion (for example, the bend portion) is thinner than the negativeelectrode layer in the first portion (for example, the linear portion),so that strain or internal stresses generated in the second portion (forexample, the bend portion) are further reduced. This further inhibitsdegradation in charge-discharge characteristics due to strain orinternal stresses, thereby resulting in the battery with higher energydensity.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 1300 according to a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 1400 according to a modification of the first embodiment.

In each of the battery 1300 illustrated in FIG. 4 and the battery 1400illustrated in FIG. 5, D_(n1)>D_(n2), and D_(p1)>D_(p2) are satisfied.

In the foregoing structures, all the effects provided by the structuresof the batteries 1100 and 1200 are achieved, thereby resulting in thebatteries with higher energy density.

In the case where an active material having higher particle hardnessthan that of the negative electrode active material in the negativeelectrode layer is used as the positive electrode active material in thepositive electrode layer, strain or internal stresses are easilygenerated in the second portion (for example, the bend portion).

Thus, D_(p2)<D_(n2) may be satisfied, like the battery 1100 illustratedin FIG. 2 or the battery 1400 illustrated in FIG. 5.

In the foregoing structure, strain or internal stresses generated in thepositive electrode layer are further reduced. This further inhibitsdegradation in charge-discharge characteristics due to strain orinternal stresses, thereby resulting in the battery with higher energydensity.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the second portion 102 may be benttoward a side on which the first negative electrode layer NA11 lies.

Alternatively, the second portion 102 may be bent toward a side on whichthe first positive electrode layer PA11 lies. This structure alsoprovides the effects described above.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment will be described below. The same descriptions as inthe first embodiment are not redundantly repeated.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 2000 according to the second embodiment.

The battery 2000 according to the second embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure described in the firstembodiment.

The battery 2000 according to the second embodiment includes a thirdportion 103.

The third portion 103 includes a third positive electrode layer PA13, athird negative electrode layer NA13, and a third solid electrolyte layerSE13 located between the third positive electrode layer PA13 and thethird negative electrode layer NA13.

The first portion 101 and the third portion 103 are in contact with eachother.

The third portion 103 is more sharply bent than the first portion 101.

At least one of the third positive electrode layer PA13, the thirdnegative electrode layer NA13, and the third solid electrolyte layerSE13 contains a third binder.

The third binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the firstbinder. For example, the third binder-containing layer (the thirdpositive electrode layer PA13, the third solid electrolyte layer SE13,or the third negative electrode layer NA13) has higher flexibility thana flexibility of the first binder-containing layer (the first positiveelectrode layer PA11, the first solid electrolyte layer SE11, or thefirst negative electrode layer NA11).

In the structure described above, the use of the binder having highflexibility inhibits a reduction in energy density due to strain orinternal stresses in the third portion (for example, the bend portion).Furthermore, the use of the binder having low flexibility inhibits areduction in energy density due to the inhibition of contact between theactive material particles caused by the binder in the first portion (forexample, the linear portion). This results in the battery with higherenergy density.

In the second embodiment, the third solid electrolyte layer SE13containing the third binder may have higher flexibility than aflexibility of the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 containing thefirst binder.

The foregoing structure results in the battery with higher energydensity. The third solid electrolyte layer SE13 contains the thirdbinder and thus has higher flexibility. This inhibits the occurrence ofcracking or strain between the solid electrolyte particles contained ina large amount in the third solid electrolyte layer SE13, therebyfurther inhibiting a reduction in charge-discharge capacity.

The third portion 103 may be, for example, a bend portion of a batterywith a winding or zigzag structure.

The third portion 103 may be more gently bent than the second portion102.

The third portion 103 may be more sharply bent than the second portion102.

The third portion 103 may be bent to the same degree as the secondportion 102.

The third portion 103 and the first portion 101 may have the samethickness.

The third portion 103 and the first portion 101 may have differentthicknesses.

The third portion 103 and the second portion 102 may have the samethickness.

The third portion 103 and the second portion 102 may have differentthicknesses.

The binder that may be used as the second binder described in the firstembodiment may be used as the third binder contained in the thirdportion 103.

All the third positive electrode layer PA13, the third negativeelectrode layer NA13, and the third solid electrolyte layer SE13 maycontain the same type of the third binder.

The third positive electrode layer PA13, the third negative electrodelayer NA13, and the third solid electrolyte layer SE13 may containdifferent types of the third binder.

One or two of the third positive electrode layer PA13, the thirdnegative electrode layer NA13, and the third solid electrolyte layerSE13 may not contain the third binder.

The third binder and the second binder may be composed of the samematerial.

The third binder and the second binder may be composed of differentmaterials.

The third binder content of the layer containing the third binder (forexample, the percent by weight (% by weight) of the third binder withrespect to the total weight of the layer containing the third binder)may be equal to the first binder content of the layer containing thefirst binder (for example, the percent by weight (% by weight) of thefirst binder with respect to the total weight of the layer containingthe first binder) as long as the layer containing the third binder hashigher flexibility than a flexibility of the layer containing the firstbinder.

The third binder content (% by weight) of the layer containing the thirdbinder may be higher than the first binder content (% by weight) of thelayer containing the first binder as long as the layer containing thethird binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the layercontaining the first binder.

The third binder content (% by weight) of the layer containing the thirdbinder may be lower than the first binder content (% by weight) of thelayer containing the first binder as long as the layer containing thethird binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the layercontaining the first binder.

The third solid electrolyte layer SE13 contains a solid electrolyte.

As this solid electrolyte, the solid electrolyte described in the firstembodiment may be used.

The solid electrolyte in the third solid electrolyte layer SE13 and thesolid electrolyte in the first solid electrolyte layer SE11 or thesecond solid electrolyte layer SE12 may be composed of the same materialand may have the same structure.

Alternatively, the solid electrolyte in the third solid electrolytelayer SE13 and the solid electrolyte in the first solid electrolytelayer SE11 or the second solid electrolyte layer SE12 may be composed ofdifferent materials from each other or may have different structuresfrom each other.

The third solid electrolyte layer SE13 and the first solid electrolytelayer SE11 may be in contact with each other.

The third positive electrode layer PA13 contains a positive electrodeactive material.

As this positive electrode active material, the positive electrodeactive material described in the first embodiment may be used.

The third positive electrode layer PA13 may be a positive electrodemixture layer containing the positive electrode active material and thesolid electrolyte.

The positive electrode active material in the third positive electrodelayer PA13 and the positive electrode active material in the firstpositive electrode layer PA11 or the second positive electrode layerPA12 may be composed of the same material and may have the samestructure.

Alternatively, the positive electrode active material in the thirdpositive electrode layer PA13 and the positive electrode active materialin the first positive electrode layer PA11 or the second positiveelectrode layer PA12 may be composed of different materials from eachother and may have different structures from each other.

The third positive electrode layer PA13 and the first positive electrodelayer PA11 may be in contact with each other.

The third negative electrode layer NA13 contains a negative electrodeactive material.

As this negative electrode active material, the foregoing negativeelectrode active material described in the first embodiment may be used.

The third negative electrode layer NA13 may be a negative electrodemixture layer containing the negative electrode active material and thesolid electrolyte.

The negative electrode active material in the third negative electrodelayer NA13 and the negative electrode active material in the firstnegative electrode layer NA11 or the second negative electrode layerNA12 may be composed of the same material and may have the samestructure.

Alternatively, the negative electrode active material in the thirdnegative electrode layer NA13 and the negative electrode active materialin the first negative electrode layer NA11 or the second negativeelectrode layer NA12 may be composed of different materials from eachother and may have different structures from each other.

The third negative electrode layer NA13 and the first negative electrodelayer NA11 may be in contact with each other.

The third positive electrode layer PA13 is in contact with the positiveelectrode current collector PC.

The third negative electrode layer NA13 is in contact with the negativeelectrode current collector NC.

The thickness D_(p3) of the third positive electrode layer PA13 may beequal to the thickness D_(p1) of the first positive electrode layer PA11or the thickness D_(p2) of the second positive electrode layer PA12.

The thickness D_(e3) of the third solid electrolyte layer SE13 may beequal to the thickness of Del of the first solid electrolyte layer SE11or the thickness of D_(e2) of the second solid electrolyte layer SE12.

The thickness D_(n3) of the third negative electrode layer NA13 may beequal to the thickness D_(n1) of the first negative electrode layer NA11or the thickness D_(n2) of the second negative electrode layer NA12.

The thicknesses of the layers in the third portion 103 may be differentfrom those of the layers in the first portion 101 or the second portion102.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 2100 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

In the battery 2100 illustrated in FIG. 7, D_(p1)>D_(p3) is satisfied.

In the foregoing structure, the positive electrode layer in the thirdportion (for example, the bend portion) is thinner than the positiveelectrode layer in the first portion (for example, the linear portion),so that strain or internal stresses generated in the third portion (forexample, the bend portion) are further reduced. This further inhibitsdegradation in charge-discharge characteristics due to strain orinternal stresses, thereby resulting in the battery with higher energydensity.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 2200 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

In the battery 2200 illustrated in FIG. 8, D_(n1)>Dn3 is satisfied.

In the foregoing structure, the negative electrode layer in the thirdportion (for example, the bend portion) is thinner than the negativeelectrode layer in the first portion (for example, the linear portion),so that strain or internal stresses generated in the third portion (forexample, the bend portion) are further reduced. This further inhibitsdegradation in charge-discharge characteristics due to strain orinternal stresses, thereby resulting in the battery with higher energydensity.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structure ofa battery 2300 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 2400 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

In each of the battery 2300 illustrated in FIG. 9 and the battery 2400illustrated in FIG. 10, D_(n1)>D_(n3), and D_(p1)>D_(p3) are satisfied.

In the foregoing structures, all the effects provided by the structuresof the batteries 2100 and 2200 are achieved, thereby resulting in thebatteries with higher energy density.

In the case where an active material having higher particle hardnessthan that of the negative electrode active material in the thirdnegative electrode layer NA13 is used as the positive electrode activematerial in the third positive electrode layer PA13, strain or internalstresses are easily generated in the third portion (for example, thebend portion).

Thus, D_(p3)<D_(n3) may be satisfied, like the battery 2100 illustratedin FIG. 7 or the battery 2400 illustrated in FIG. 10.

In the foregoing structure, strain or internal stresses generated in thepositive electrode layer are further reduced. This further inhibitsdegradation in charge-discharge characteristics due to strain orinternal stresses, thereby resulting in the battery with higher energydensity.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10, the third portion 103 may be benttoward a side on which the first positive electrode layer PA11 lies.

Alternatively, the third portion 103 may be bent toward a side on whichthe first negative electrode layer NA11 lies. This structure alsoprovides the effects described above.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 2500 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

The battery 2500 illustrated in FIG. 11 is an example of a batteryhaving a zigzag structure.

The battery 2500 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes four linear portionsand three bend portions.

The battery 2500 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes the linear portionlocated on a side of the second portion 102 opposite the side in contactwith the first portion 101.

The battery 2500 illustrated in FIG. 11 has a repetitive structurelocated on a side of the third portion 103 opposite the side in contactwith the first portion 101, the repetitive structure including thelinear portion and the bend portion.

In the second embodiment, the number of the linear portions and thenumber of the bend portions are not particularly limited as long as thebattery having a zigzag structure includes two or more linear portionsand two or more bend portions.

In other words, the battery according to the second embodiment may havea zigzag structure in which linear portions and bend portions are morerepeated than the exemplary structure illustrated in FIG. 11.

In the battery 2500 illustrated in FIG. 11, portions of the positiveelectrode current collector PC having the zigzag structure and facingtogether are spaced apart from each other.

In the battery 2500 illustrated in FIG. 11, portions of the negativeelectrode current collector NC having the zigzag structure and facingtogether are spaced apart from each other.

In the second embodiment, the portions of the positive electrode currentcollector PC having the zigzag structure and facing together may be incontact with each other. This structure results in a reduction inelectronic resistance to improve the charge-discharge characteristics.

In the second embodiment, the portions of the negative electrode currentcollector NC having the zigzag structure and facing together may be incontact with each other. This structure results in a reduction inelectronic resistance to improve the charge-discharge characteristics.

Each of the bend portions may have a width (thickness in the xdirection) of 1 to 50,000 μm.

At a width of the bend portion less than 1 μm, the width of a fold ofthe zigzag structure is larger than the width of the bend portion,thereby possibly causing strain or cracking.

At a width of the bend portion more than 50,000 μm, the energy densityof the battery can be reduced.

In the exemplary structures illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 11, the secondportion 102 and the third portion 103 are bent in different directions.

The second portion 102 and the third portion 103 may be bent in the samedirection.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 2600 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

The battery 2600 illustrated in FIG. 12 is an example of a batteryhaving a flat winding structure.

FIG. 12 illustrates three linear portions and two bend portions.

The battery 2600 illustrated in FIG. 12 includes the linear portionlocated on a side of the second portion 102 opposite the side in contactwith the first portion 101.

The battery 2600 illustrated in FIG. 12 includes the linear portionlocated on a side of the third portion 103 opposite the side in contactwith the first portion 101.

In the second embodiment, the number of the linear portions and thenumber of the bend portions are not particularly limited as long as thebattery having a winding structure includes one or more linear portionsand two or more bend portions.

In other words, the battery according to the second embodiment may havea winding structure in which linear portions and bend portions are morerepeated than the exemplary structure illustrated in FIG. 12.

In the battery 2600 illustrated in FIG. 12, a portion of the positiveelectrode current collector PC and a portion of the negative electrodecurrent collector NC facing together in the winding structure are spacedapart from each other.

In the battery having the winding structure according to the secondembodiment, an insulator may be arranged between the portion of thepositive electrode current collector PC and the portion of the negativeelectrode current collector NC facing together in the winding structure.

In the second embodiment, each of the battery having the zigzagstructure and the battery having the flat winding structure may be anall-solid-state lithium secondary battery.

In the case of an all-solid-state lithium secondary battery for, forexample, mobile electronic devices, such as smartphones and digitalcameras, the area of a main surface of the battery may be 1 to 100 cm².

In the case of an all-solid-state lithium secondary battery used as, forexample, a power source for large vehicles, such as electric cars, thearea of a main surface of the battery may be 100 to 1000 cm².

Method for Producing Battery

An example of a method for producing the batteries according to thefirst and second embodiments will be described below.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method for producing a negative electrode NE.

The method for producing a negative electrode NE includes step A1 andstep A2.

Step A1 is a step of adding a solvent to materials to prepare pastes tobe formed into the first negative electrode layer NA11, the secondnegative electrode layer NA12, and the third negative electrode layerNA13 and applying the pastes onto the negative electrode currentcollector NC with a slit die.

Step A2 is a step of adding a solvent to materials to prepare pastes tobe formed into the first solid electrolyte layer SE11, the second solidelectrolyte layer SE12, and the third solid electrolyte layer SE13 andapplying the pastes onto the first negative electrode layer NA11, thesecond negative electrode layer NA12, and the third negative electrodelayer NA13, respectively, with a slit die.

The direction of the application may be a direction indicated by arrow Aillustrated in FIG. 13.

Similarly, negative electrode layers in another linear portion andanother bend portion may be formed on the negative electrode currentcollector NC.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method for producing a positive electrode PE.

The method for producing the positive electrode PE includes step A3 andstep A4.

Step A3 is a step of adding a solvent to materials to prepare pastes tobe formed into the first positive electrode layer PA11, the secondpositive electrode layer PA12, and the third positive electrode layerPA13 and applying the pastes onto the positive electrode currentcollector PC with a slit die.

Step A4 is a step of adding a solvent to materials to prepare pastes tobe formed into the first solid electrolyte layer SE11, the second solidelectrolyte layer SE12, and the third solid electrolyte layer SE13 andapplying the pastes onto the first positive electrode layer PA11, thesecond positive electrode layer PA12, and the third positive electrodelayer PA13, respectively, with a slit die.

The direction of the application may be a direction indicated by arrow Billustrated in FIG. 14.

Similarly, positive electrode layers in another linear portion andanother bend portion may be formed on the positive electrode currentcollector PC.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method for producing a battery.

The battery is produced by pressure bonding of the negative electrode NEand the positive electrode PE (step A5).

At this time, the pressure bonding is performed in such a manner thatthe positions of the solid electrolyte layers in the negative electrodeNE are matched to the positions of the solid electrolyte layers in thepositive electrode PE.

The directions of the pressure bonding may be directions indicated byarrows C and C′ illustrated in FIG. 15.

The second portion 102 and the third portion 103 of the batteryproducing in step A5 are bent (step A6).

At this time, the structure (for example, winding structure or zigzagstructure) of the battery may be determined, depending on a foldingmethod.

The positive electrode current collector PC may be provided with apositive electrode terminal (step A7).

The negative electrode current collector NC may be provided with anegative electrode terminal (step A8).

For example, the types of the binders in the positive electrode layer,the solid electrolyte layer, and the negative electrode layer may beadjusted by selecting the types of the binders of the pastes used insteps A1 to A4.

For example, the binder concentrations in the positive electrode layer,the solid electrolyte layer, and the negative electrode layer may beadjusted by adjusting the binder contents of the pastes used in steps A1to A4.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery.

For example, the batteries according to the modifications of the firstand second embodiments may be produced by appropriately adjusting thewidth (thickness in the x direction) and the thickness in the zdirection of each of the layers formed by the application.

In the case of a structure including a positive electrode layer PAa, asolid electrolyte layer SEa, and a negative electrode layer NAa in FIG.16, the batteries 1000 and 2000 are produced.

In the case of a structure including a positive electrode layer PAb, asolid electrolyte layer SEb, and a negative electrode layer NAb in FIG.16, the batteries 1100 and 2100 are produced.

In the case of a structure including a positive electrode layer PAc, asolid electrolyte layer SEc, and a negative electrode layer NAc in FIG.16, the batteries 1200 and 2200 are produced.

In the case of a structure including a positive electrode layer PAd, asolid electrolyte layer SEd, and a negative electrode layer NAd in FIG.16, the batteries 1300 and 2300 are produced.

In the case of a structure including a positive electrode layer PAe, asolid electrolyte layer SEe, and a negative electrode layer NAe in FIG.16, the batteries 1400 and 2400 are produced.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment will be described below. The same descriptions as inthe first or second embodiment are not redundantly repeated.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 3000 according to the third embodiment.

The battery 3000 according to the third embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure described in the firstembodiment.

The battery 3000 according to the third embodiment includes a firstlayer, a second layer, and a collector layer C1.

The first layer includes the first portion 101 and the second portion102.

The first portion 101 and the second portion 102 have the structuresdescribed in the first embodiment.

The second layer includes a fourth portion 201 and a fifth portion 202.

The fourth portion 201 includes a fourth positive electrode layer PA21,a fourth negative electrode layer NA21, and a fourth solid electrolytelayer SE21.

The fourth solid electrolyte layer SE21 is located between the fourthpositive electrode layer PA21 and the fourth negative electrode layerNA21.

The fifth portion 202 includes a fifth positive electrode layer PA22, afifth negative electrode layer NA22, and a fifth solid electrolyte layerSE22.

The fifth solid electrolyte layer SE22 is located between the fifthpositive electrode layer PA22 and the fifth negative electrode layerNA22.

The fourth portion 201 and the fifth portion 202 are in contact witheach other. The fifth portion 202 is more sharply bent than the fourthportion 201.

At least one of the fourth positive electrode layer PA21, the fourthnegative electrode layer NA21, and the fourth solid electrolyte layerSE21 contains a fourth binder.

At least one of the fifth positive electrode layer PA22, the fifthnegative electrode layer NA22, and the fifth solid electrolyte layerSE22 contains a fifth binder.

The fifth binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the fourthbinder. For example, the fifth binder-containing layer (the fifthpositive electrode layer PA22, the fifth solid electrolyte layer SE22,or the fifth negative electrode layer NA22) has higher flexibility thana flexibility of the fourth binder-containing layer (the fourth positiveelectrode layer PA21, the fourth solid electrolyte layer SE21, or thefourth negative electrode layer NA21).

The first layer, the second layer, and the collector layer C1 arestacked.

One side of the collector layer C1 is in contact with the first negativeelectrode layer NA11 and the second negative electrode layer NA12.

The other side of the collector layer C1 is in contact with the fourthpositive electrode layer PA21 and the fifth positive electrode layerPA22.

The second portion 102, the collector layer C1, and the fifth portion202 are bent in the same direction.

In the structure described above, the use of the binder having highflexibility inhibits a reduction in energy density due to strain orinternal stresses in the fifth portion (for example, the bend portion).Furthermore, the use of the binder having low flexibility inhibits areduction in energy density due to the inhibition of contact between theactive material particles caused by the binder in the fourth portion(for example, the linear portion). This results in the battery withhigher energy density.

In the third embodiment, the fifth solid electrolyte layer SE22containing the fifth binder may have higher flexibility than aflexibility of the fourth solid electrolyte layer SE21 containing thefourth binder.

The foregoing structure results in the battery with higher energydensity. The fifth solid electrolyte layer SE22 contains the fifthbinder and thus has higher flexibility. This inhibits the occurrence ofcracking or strain between the solid electrolyte particles contained ina large amount in the fifth solid electrolyte layer SE22, therebyfurther inhibiting the reduction in charge-discharge capacity. Thefourth solid electrolyte layer SE21 contains the fourth binder and thussuppresses the inhibition of contact between the solid electrolyteparticles caused by the binder, the solid electrolyte particles beingcontained in a large amount in the fourth solid electrolyte layer SE21,thereby increasing the charge-discharge capacity.

The material or structure of the fourth portion 201 may be the same asthat of the first portion 101 according to the first embodiment.

The binder that may be used as the first binder described in the firstembodiment may be used as the fourth binder contained in the fourthportion 201.

All the fourth positive electrode layer PA21, the fourth negativeelectrode layer NA21, and the fourth solid electrolyte layer SE21 maycontain the same type of the fourth binder.

The fourth positive electrode layer PA21, the fourth negative electrodelayer NA21, and the fourth solid electrolyte layer SE21 may containdifferent types of the fourth binder.

One or two of the fourth positive electrode layer PA21, the fourthnegative electrode layer NA21, and the fourth solid electrolyte layerSE21 may not contain the fourth binder.

The fourth binder and the first binder may be composed of the samematerial.

The fourth binder and the first binder may be composed of differentmaterials.

The material or structure of the fifth portion 202 may be the same asthat of the second portion 102 according to the first embodiment.

The binder that may be used as the second binder described in the firstembodiment may be used as the fifth binder contained in the fifthportion 202.

All the fifth positive electrode layer PA22, the fifth negativeelectrode layer NA22, and the fifth solid electrolyte layer SE22 maycontain the same type of the fifth binder.

The fifth positive electrode layer PA22, the fifth negative electrodelayer NA22, and the fifth solid electrolyte layer SE22 may containdifferent types of the fifth binder.

One or two of the fifth positive electrode layer PA22, the fifthnegative electrode layer NA22, and the fifth solid electrolyte layerSE22 may not contain the fifth binder.

The fifth binder and the second binder may be composed of the samematerial.

The fifth binder and the second binder may be composed of differentmaterials.

The flexibility of each of the fifth binder and the second binder may behigher than those of the fourth binder and the first binder. Forexample, the flexibility of each of the layer containing the fifthbinder and the layer containing the second binder may be higher thanthose of the layer containing the fourth binder and the layer containingthe first binder.

The fifth binder content of the layer containing the fifth binder (forexample, the percent by weight (% by weight) of the fifth binder withrespect to the total weight of the layer containing the fifth binder)may be equal to the fourth binder content of the layer containing thefourth binder (for example, the percent by weight (% by weight) of thefourth binder with respect to the total weight of the layer containingthe fourth binder) as long as the layer containing the fifth binder hashigher flexibility than a flexibility of the layer containing the fourthbinder.

The fifth binder content (% by weight) of the layer containing the fifthbinder may be higher than the fourth binder content (% by weight) of thefourth binder as long as the layer containing the fifth binder hashigher flexibility than a flexibility of the layer containing the fourthbinder.

The fifth binder content (% by weight) of the layer containing the fifthbinder may be lower than the fourth binder content (% by weight) of thefourth binder as long as the layer containing the fifth binder hashigher flexibility than a flexibility of the layer containing the fourthbinder.

The battery 3000 according to the third embodiment is an example of abipolar battery.

The stack structure of the battery 3000 according to the thirdembodiment is an example of bipolar stack structures.

The bipolar stack structure includes a bipolar electrode as aconstituent element and at least two power-generating elements eachincluding a positive electrode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and anegative electrode layer, the at least two power-generating elementsbeing serially connected with a current collector (collector layer).

The term “bipolar electrode” refers to an electrode in which a positiveelectrode active material layer lies on one side of the currentcollector and a negative electrode active material layer lies on theother side of the current collector.

The collector layer C1 may be formed of different current collectors,one of the current collectors being arranged on a side of the collectorlayer C1 adjacent to the positive electrode, and the other beingarranged on a side of the collector layer C1 adjacent to the negativeelectrode. In other words, the collector layer C1 may have a structurein which the positive electrode current collector PC and the negativeelectrode current collector NC according to the first embodiment arebonded together.

The collector layer C1 may be formed of a current collector common toboth the side of the collector layer C1 adjacent to the positiveelectrode and the side of the collector layer C1 adjacent to thenegative electrode. In other words, the collector layer C1 may be formedof the positive electrode current collector PC or the negative electrodecurrent collector NC according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the second portion 102, the collector layerC1, and the fifth portion 202 may be bent toward a side on which thefourth portion 201 lies.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 3100 according to a modification of the third embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the second portion 102, the collector layerC1, and the fifth portion 202 may be bent toward a side on which thefirst portion 101 lies. This structure also provides the foregoingeffects.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment will be described below. The same descriptions as inany of the first to third embodiments are not redundantly repeated.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 4000 according to the fourth embodiment.

The battery 4000 according to the fourth embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure described in the thirdembodiment.

In the battery 4000 according to the fourth embodiment, the first layerincludes the third portion 103.

The third portion 103 has the structure described in the secondembodiment.

The second layer includes a sixth portion 203.

The sixth portion 203 includes a sixth positive electrode layer PA23, asixth negative electrode layer NA23, and a sixth solid electrolyte layerSE23.

The sixth solid electrolyte layer SE23 is located between the sixthpositive electrode layer PA23 and the sixth negative electrode layerNA23.

The fourth portion 201 and the sixth portion 203 are in contact witheach other. The sixth portion 203 is more sharply bent than the fourthportion 201.

At least one of the sixth positive electrode layer PA23, the sixthnegative electrode layer NA23, and the sixth solid electrolyte layerSE23 contains a sixth binder.

The sixth binder has higher flexibility than a flexibility of the fourthbinder. For example, the sixth binder-containing layer (the sixthpositive electrode layer PA23, the sixth solid electrolyte layer SE23,or the sixth negative electrode layer NA23) has higher flexibility thana flexibility of the fourth binder-containing layer (the fourth positiveelectrode layer PA21, the fourth solid electrolyte layer SE21, or thefourth negative electrode layer NA21).

One side of the collector layer C1 is in contact with the first negativeelectrode layer NA11, the second negative electrode layer NA12, and thethird negative electrode layer NA13.

The other side of the collector layer C1 is in contact with the fourthpositive electrode layer PA21, the fifth positive electrode layer PA22,and the sixth positive electrode layer PA23.

The third portion 103, the collector layer C1, and the sixth portion 203are bent in the same direction.

In the structure described above, the use of the binder having highflexibility inhibits a reduction in energy density due to strain orinternal stresses in the sixth portion (for example, the bend portion).Furthermore, the use of the binder having low flexibility inhibits areduction in energy density due to the inhibition of contact between theactive material particles caused by the binder in the fourth portion(for example, the linear portion). This results in the battery withhigher energy density.

In the fourth embodiment, the sixth solid electrolyte layer SE23containing the sixth binder may have higher flexibility than aflexibility of the fourth solid electrolyte layer SE21 containing thefourth binder.

The foregoing structure results in the battery with higher energydensity. The sixth solid electrolyte layer SE23 contains the sixthbinder and thus has higher flexibility. This inhibits the occurrence ofcracking or strain between the solid electrolyte particles contained ina large amount in the sixth solid electrolyte layer SE23, therebyfurther inhibiting the reduction in charge-discharge capacity.

The material or structure of the sixth portion 203 may be the same asthat of the third portion 103 according to the second embodiment.

The binder that may be used as the third binder described in the firstembodiment may be used as the sixth binder contained in the sixthportion 203.

All the sixth positive electrode layer PA23, the sixth negativeelectrode layer NA23, and the sixth solid electrolyte layer SE23 maycontain the same type of the sixth binder.

The sixth positive electrode layer PA23, the sixth negative electrodelayer NA23, and the sixth solid electrolyte layer SE23 may containdifferent types of the sixth binder.

One or two or the sixth positive electrode layer PA23, the sixthnegative electrode layer NA23, and the sixth solid electrolyte layerSE23 may not contain the sixth binder.

The sixth binder and the third binder may be composed of the samematerial.

The sixth binder and the third binder may be composed of differentmaterials.

The flexibility of each of the sixth binder and the third binder may behigher than those of the fourth binder and the first binder. Forexample, the flexibility of each of the layer containing the sixthbinder and the layer containing the third binder may be higher thanthose of the layer containing the fourth binder and the layer containingthe first binder.

The sixth binder content of the layer containing the sixth binder (forexample, the percent by weight (% by weight) of the sixth binder withrespect to the total weight of the layer containing the sixth binder)may be equal to the fourth binder content of the layer containing thefourth binder (for example, the percent by weight (% by weight) of thefourth binder with respect to the total weight of the layer containingthe fourth binder) as long as the layer containing the sixth binder hashigher flexibility than a flexibility of the layer containing the fourthbinder.

The sixth binder content (% by weight) of the layer containing the sixthbinder may be higher than the fourth binder content (% by weight) of thefourth binder as long as the layer containing the sixth binder hashigher flexibility than a flexibility of the layer containing the fourthbinder.

The sixth binder content (% by weight) of the layer containing the sixthbinder may be lower than the fourth binder content (% by weight) of thefourth binder as long as the layer containing the sixth binder hashigher flexibility than a flexibility of the layer containing the fourthbinder.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the third portion 103, the collector layerC1, and the sixth portion 203 may be bent toward a side on which thefirst portion 101 lies.

Alternatively, the third portion 103, the collector layer C1, and thesixth portion 203 may be bent toward a side on which the fourth portion201 lies. This structure also provides the foregoing effects.

The number of power-generating elements stacked may be appropriatelyset, depending on, for example, the application of the battery. Forexample, the number of power-generating elements stacked may be 3 ormore.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 4100 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment.

In FIG. 20, for the sake of simplification, a positive electrode layer,a negative electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer areillustrated as a single layer.

The battery 4100 illustrated in FIG. 20 is an example of a bipolarbattery having a zigzag structure.

The battery 4100 illustrated in FIG. 20 has a three-layer structure.

Specifically, the battery 4100 illustrated in FIG. 20 includes a thirdlayer and a second collector layer C2, in addition to the first layer,the second layer, and the collector layer C1.

The third layer includes a seventh portion 301, an eighth portion 302,and a ninth portion 303.

The battery 4100 illustrated in FIG. 20, the first layer, the secondlayer, and the third layer are serially connected (stacked) with thecollector layers Cl and the second collector layer C2.

The material or structure of the third layer may be the same as that ofthe first layer or the second layer.

The material or structure of the second collector layer C2 may be thesame as that of the collector layer C1.

In each of the first layer and the second layer, the structure of thebattery 2500 according to the second embodiment may be appropriatelyused.

In the positive electrode current collector PC, the negative electrodecurrent collector NC, and so forth, the structure of the battery 2500according to the second embodiment may also be appropriately used.

In the exemplary structures illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, the secondportion 102 and the fifth portion 202 are bent in a direction differentfrom a direction in which the third portion 103 and the sixth portion203 are bent.

The second portion 102 and the fifth portion 202 may be bent in the samedirection as that in which the third portion 103 and the sixth portion203 are bent.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 4200 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment.

In FIG. 21, for the sake of simplification, a positive electrode layer,a negative electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer areillustrated as a single layer.

The battery 4200 illustrated in FIG. 21 is an example of a bipolarbattery having a flat winding structure.

In each of the first layer and the second layer of the battery 4200illustrated in FIG. 21, the structure of the battery 2600 according tothe second embodiment may be appropriately used.

In the positive electrode current collector PC, the negative electrodecurrent collector NC, and so forth, the structure of the battery 2600according to the second embodiment may also be appropriately used.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment will be described below. The same descriptions as inany of the first to fourth embodiments are not redundantly repeated.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 5000 according to the fifth embodiment.

The battery 5000 according to the fifth embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure described in the thirdembodiment.

In the battery 5000 according to the fifth embodiment, the secondportion 102, the collector layer C1, and the fifth portion 202 are benttoward a side on which the fourth portion 201 lies.

In this case, the fifth portion 202 has a smaller width (W22) than thewidth (W12) of the second portion 102.

The structure inhibits an excessive increase in the width of the fifthportion (for example, the bend portion) to achieve a larger width of thefourth portion (for example, the linear portion) containing the binderhaving low flexibility. This further inhibits a reduction in energydensity due to the inhibition of contact between the active materialparticles caused by the binder in the second layer, thus resulting inthe battery with higher energy density.

In the second portion 102, the width (W12 p) of the second positiveelectrode layer PA12, the width (W12 n) of the second negative electrodelayer NA12, and the width (W12 s) of the second solid electrolyte layerSE12 may be different from one another.

In this case, the width (W12) of the second portion 102 may be definedas the maximum value of W12 p, W12 n, and W12 s.

Similarly, each of the width (W22) of the fifth portion 202, the width(W13) of the third portion 103, the width (W23) of the sixth portion203, and so forth may be defined as the maximum value of widths of thepositive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer, and the solidelectrolyte layer, thereof, respectively.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 5100 according to a modification of the fifth embodiment.

The battery 5100 according to the fifth embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure described in the thirdembodiment.

In the battery 5100 according to the fifth embodiment, the secondportion 102, the collector layer C1, and the fifth portion 202 are benttoward a side on which the first portion 101 lies.

In this case, the second portion 102 has a smaller width (W12) than thewidth (W22) of the fifth portion 202.

The structure inhibits an excessive increase in the width of the secondportion (for example, the bend portion) to achieve a larger width of thefirst portion (for example, the linear portion) having a relatively lowbinder content. This further inhibits a reduction in energy density dueto the binder in the first layer, thus resulting in the battery withhigher energy density.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 5200 according to a modification of the fifth embodiment.

The battery 5200 according to the fifth embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure described in the fourthembodiment.

In the battery 5200 according to the fifth embodiment, the third portion103, the collector layer C1, and the sixth portion 203 are bent toward aside on which the first portion 101 lies.

In this case, the third portion 103 has a smaller width (W13) than thewidth (W23) of the sixth portion 203.

The structure inhibits an excessive increase in the width of the thirdportion (for example, the bend portion) to achieve a larger width of thefirst portion (for example, the linear portion) containing the binderhaving low flexibility. This further inhibits a reduction in energydensity due to the inhibition of contact between the active materialparticles caused by the binder in the first layer, thus resulting in thebattery with higher energy density.

The battery 5200 illustrated in FIG. 24 also has the structure of thebattery 5000 illustrated in FIG. 22.

Thus, the battery 5200 illustrated in FIG. 24 also provides the sameeffects as in the battery 5000.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic structure of abattery 5300 according to a modification of the fifth embodiment.

The battery 5300 according to the fifth embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure described in the fourthembodiment.

In the battery 5300 according to the fifth embodiment, the third portion103, the collector layer C1, and the sixth portion 203 are bent toward aside on which the fourth portion 201 lies.

In this case, the sixth portion 203 has a smaller width (W23) than thewidth (W13) of the third portion 103.

The structure inhibits an excessive increase in the width of the sixthportion (for example, the bend portion) to achieve a larger width of thefourth portion (for example, the linear portion) containing the binderhaving low flexibility. This further inhibits a reduction in energydensity due to the inhibition of contact between the active materialparticles caused by the binder in the second layer, thus resulting inthe battery with higher energy density.

The battery 5300 illustrated in FIG. 25 also has the structure of thebattery 5100 illustrated in FIG. 23.

Thus, the battery 5300 illustrated in FIG. 25 also provides the sameeffects as in the battery 5100.

In the fifth embodiment, the number of power-generating elements stackedmay be, for example, 3 or more.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 5400 according to a modification of the fifth embodiment.

The battery 5400 illustrated in FIG. 26 is an example of a bipolarbattery having a zigzag structure.

The battery 5400 according to the fifth embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure of the battery 4100 illustratedin FIG. 20 according to the fourth embodiment.

In the battery 5400 according to the fifth embodiment, the followingrelational expressions are satisfied: W12>W22>W32, and W33>W23>W13.

Here, W32 is denoted as the width of the eighth portion 302. W33 isdenoted as the width of the ninth portion 303.

The structure inhibits an excessive increase in the width of the eighthportion (for example, the bend portion) to achieve a larger width of theseventh portion (for example, the linear portion) containing the binderhaving low flexibility. This further inhibits a reduction in energydensity due to the inhibition of contact between the active materialparticles caused by the binder in the third layer, thus resulting in thebattery with higher energy density.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery 5500 according to a modification of the fifth embodiment.

The battery 5500 illustrated in FIG. 27 is an example of a bipolarbattery having a flat winding structure.

The battery 5500 according to the fifth embodiment has the followingstructure in addition to the structure of the battery 4200 illustratedin FIG. 21 according to the fourth embodiment.

In the battery 5500 according to the fifth embodiment, the followingrelational expressions are satisfied: W22>W12, and W23>W13.

The structure inhibits an excessive increase in the width of each of thesecond portion and the third portion to achieve a larger width of thefirst portion containing the binder having low flexibility. This furtherinhibits a reduction in energy density due to the inhibition of contactbetween the active material particles caused by the binder in the firstlayer, thus resulting in the battery with higher energy density.

In the fifth embodiment, the width of a bend portion of apower-generating element located in the outer portion of a fold islarger than the width of a bend portion of a power-generating elementlocated in the inner portion of the fold.

In the bipolar battery, a plurality of power-generating elements isstacked to lead to a large thickness of the battery in the z direction.Thus, the width of the bend portion located in the outer portion of thefold is larger than the width of the bend portion located in the innerportion of the fold.

The width of the bend portion is increased with increasing distance fromthe inner portion toward the outer portion of the fold, therebysufficiently inhibiting the occurrence of strain or stresses at thefold. The width of the bend portion is not excessively large, thusresulting in the bipolar battery having high energy density.

Method for Producing Battery

An example of a method for producing the batteries according to thethird, fourth, and fifth embodiments will be described below.

FIG. 28 illustrates a method for producing a positive electrode sideportion Pp of a bipolar electrode.

The method for producing the positive electrode side portion Pp of thebipolar electrode includes step B1 and step B2.

Step B1 is a step of adding a solvent to materials to prepare pastes tobe formed into the first positive electrode layer PA11, the secondpositive electrode layer PA12, and the third positive electrode layerPA13 and applying the pastes onto the collector layer C1 with a slitdie.

Step B2 is a step of adding a solvent to materials to prepare pastes tobe formed into the first solid electrolyte layer SE11, the second solidelectrolyte layer SE12, and the third solid electrolyte layer SE13 andapplying the pastes onto the first positive electrode layer PA11, thesecond positive electrode layer PA12, and the third positive electrodelayer PA13, respectively, with a slit die.

The direction of the application may be a direction indicated by arrow Aillustrated in FIG. 28.

Similarly, positive electrode portions in another linear portion andanother bend portion may be formed on the collector layer C1.

FIG. 29 illustrates a method for producing a bipolar electrode BU1.

A method for producing the bipolar electrode BU1 includes step B3 andstep B4.

Step B3 is a step of adding a solvent to materials to prepare pastes tobe formed into the first negative electrode layer NA11, the secondnegative electrode layer NA12, and the third negative electrode layerNA13 and applying the pastes onto a main surface of the collector layerC1 of the positive electrode side portion Pp opposite the main surfaceon which the positive electrode layers are arranged, with a slit die.

Step B4 is a step of adding a solvent to materials to prepare pastes tobe formed into the first solid electrolyte layer SE11, the second solidelectrolyte layer SE12, and the third solid electrolyte layer SE13 andapplying the pastes onto the first negative electrode layer NA11, thesecond negative electrode layer NA12, and the third negative electrodelayer NA13, respectively, with a slit die.

The direction of the application may be a direction indicated by arrow Billustrated in FIG. 29.

Similarly, negative electrode portions in another linear portion andanother bend portion may be formed on the collector layer C1.

Another bipolar electrode BU2 is produced (step B5) by steps B1 to B4.

The negative electrode NE is produced (step B6). The negative electrodeNE may be produced by, for example, steps A1 and A2 illustrated in FIG.13.

The positive electrode PE is produced (step B7). The positive electrodePE may be produced by, for example, steps A3 and A4 illustrated in FIG.14.

FIG. 30 illustrates a method for producing a battery.

The battery is produced by pressure bonding of the positive electrodePE, the bipolar electrode BU1, the bipolar electrode BU2, and thenegative electrode NE (step B8).

At this time, the pressure bonding is performed in such a manner thatthe positions of the solid electrolyte layers in the positive electrodePE are matched to the positions of the solid electrolyte layers in thebipolar electrode BU1.

The directions of the pressure bonding may be directions indicated byarrows C and C′ illustrated in FIG. 30.

Furthermore, the pressure bonding is performed in such a manner that thepositions of the solid electrolyte layers in the bipolar electrode BU1are matched to the positions of the solid electrolyte layers in thebipolar electrode BU2.

The directions of the pressure bonding may be directions indicated byarrows D and D′ illustrated in FIG. 30.

Moreover, the pressure bonding is performed in such a manner that thepositions of the solid electrolyte layers in the bipolar electrode BU2are matched to the positions of the solid electrolyte layers in thenegative electrode NE.

The directions of the pressure bonding may be directions indicated byarrows E and E′ illustrated in FIG. 30.

The second portion 102 and the third portion 103 of the battery producedin step B8 are folded (step B9).

At this time, the structure (for example, winding structure or zigzagstructure) of the battery may be determined, depending on a foldingmethod and the width of each layer.

The negative electrode current collector NC may be provided with anegative electrode terminal (step B10).

The positive electrode current collector PC may be provided with apositive electrode terminal (step B11).

The collector layer C1 or the second collector layer C2 may be providedwith a terminal used to detect a voltage (step B12).

For example, the types of the binders in the positive electrode layer,the solid electrolyte layer, and the negative electrode layer may beadjusted by selecting the types of the binders of the pastes used insteps B1 to B7.

For example, the binder concentrations in the positive electrode layer,the solid electrolyte layer, and the negative electrode layer may beadjusted by adjusting the binder contents of the pastes used in steps B1to B7.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic structureof a battery produced in step B8.

For example, the batteries according to the third, fourth, and fifthembodiments may be produced by appropriately adjusting the width(thickness in the x direction) and the thickness in the z direction ofeach of the layers formed by the application.

As illustrated in FIG. 31, for example, when L32<L22<L12, andL13<L23<L33 are satisfied, the battery 5400 is produced.

In the case where the bipolar electrode BU2 is not used, the battery5000, 5100, 5200, or 5300 is produced by adjusting the folding method.

The battery 5500 is produced by adjusting the folding method and thewidth of each layer. Specifically, in the case where the bend portionsare bent in the same direction and where L12<L22, and L13<L23 aresatisfied, the battery 5500 are produced. In the case of the structureof the battery 5500, the number of power-generating elements stacked is2.

For example, in the case where L32=L22=L12 and L33=L23=L13 aresatisfied, the battery 4100 is produced.

In the case where the bipolar electrode BU2 is not used, the battery3000, 3100, or 4000 is produced by adjusting the folding method.

The battery 4200 is produced by adjusting the folding method and thewidth of each layer. Specifically, in the case where the bend portionsare bent in the same direction and where L22=L12, and L13=L23 aresatisfied, the battery 4200 is produced. In the case of the structure ofthe battery 4200, the number of power-generating elements stacked is 2.

L12 is denoted as the width of the second portion 102 before folding.L22 is denoted as the width of the fifth portion 202 before folding. L32is denoted as the width of the eighth portion 302 before folding. L13 isdenoted as the width of the third portion 103 before folding. L23 isdenoted as the width of the sixth portion 203 before folding. L33 isdenoted as the width of the ninth portion 303 before folding.

The structures described in the first to fifth embodiments may beappropriately combined together.

The battery disclosed here may be used as, for example, anall-solid-state lithium secondary battery.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery comprising: a first portion; and asecond portion, wherein the first portion includes a first positiveelectrode layer, a first negative electrode layer, and a first solidelectrolyte layer located between the first positive electrode layer andthe first negative electrode layer, wherein the second portion includesa second positive electrode layer, a second negative electrode layer,and a second solid electrolyte layer located between the second positiveelectrode layer and the second negative electrode layer, wherein thesecond portion is bent such that respective layers of the first portionand the second portion are in contiguous contact with each other, thefirst solid electrolyte layer contains a first binder, the second solidelectrolyte layer contains a second binder, and the second solidelectrolyte layer containing the second binder has higher flexibilitythan a flexibility of the first solid electrolyte layer containing thefirst binder, wherein D_(p2)<D_(n2) is satisfied, where D_(p2) denotesthe thickness of the second positive electrode layer, and D_(n2) denotesthe thickness of the second negative electrode layer.
 2. The batteryaccording to claim 1, wherein the second binder comprises a rubberybinder.
 3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein the second bindercomprises at least one selected from the group consisting ofstyrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene copolymers,isobutylene-isoprene copolymers, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymers,acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers, hydrogenated styrene-butadienerubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers,ethylene-propylene diene monomer rubber, and sulfonatedethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber.
 4. The battery according toclaim 1, wherein the first binder comprises an organic binder.
 5. Thebattery according to claim 1, wherein the first binder comprises atleast one selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride,polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylenecopolymers, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoroethylene copolymers, Teflonbinders, tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymers,vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymers, vinylidenefluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymers,ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers, polychlorotrifluoroethylene,vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene-tetrafluoroethylene terpolymers,vinylidene fluoride-perfluoromethyl vinyl ether-tetrafluoroethylenecopolymers, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymers,carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylonitrile, polyethylene oxide,polypropylene oxide, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate,polymethyl acrylate, polymethacrylic acid, metal salts ofpolymethacrylic acid, polyacrylic acid, metal salts of polyacrylic acid,polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethyleneimine,polymethacrylonitrile, polyimide, polyamic acid, polyamide-imide,polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate,nitrocellulose, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers crosslinked with (Na⁺) ions,ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acidcopolymers crosslinked with (Na⁺) ions, ethylene-methyl acrylatecopolymers, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers crosslinked with (Nat⁺)ions, ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, ethylene-methylmethacrylate copolymers crosslinked with (Na⁺) ions, polymers containingmonoalkyltrialkoxysilane polymers, and polymers prepared bycopolymerization of monoalkyltrialkoxysilane polymers andtetraalkoxysilane monomers.
 6. The battery according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a third portion, wherein the third portion includes a thirdpositive electrode layer, a third negative electrode layer, and a thirdsolid electrolyte layer located between the third positive electrodelayer and the third negative electrode layer, wherein the first portionand the third portion are in contact with each other, the third portionis sharply bent relative to the first portion, the third solidelectrolyte layer contains a third binder, and the third solidelectrolyte layer containing the third binder has higher flexibilitythan the flexibility of the first solid electrolyte layer containing thefirst binder.
 7. The battery according to claim 6, wherein D_(p1)>D_(p3)is satisfied, where D_(p1) denotes the thickness of the first positiveelectrode layer, and D_(p3) denotes the thickness of the third positiveelectrode layer.
 8. The battery according to claim 6, whereinD_(n1)>D_(n3) is satisfied, where D_(n1) denotes the thickness of thefirst negative electrode layer, and D_(n3) denotes the thickness of thethird negative electrode layer.
 9. The battery according to claim 6,wherein D_(p3)<D_(n3) is satisfied, where D_(p3) denotes the thicknessof the third positive electrode layer, and D_(n3) denotes the thicknessof the third negative electrode layer.
 10. The battery according toclaim 1, further comprising: a first layer; a second layer; and acollector layer, wherein the first layer includes the first portion, andthe second portion, wherein the second layer includes a fourth portion,and a fifth portion, wherein the fourth portion includes a fourthpositive electrode layer, a fourth negative electrode layer, and afourth solid electrolyte layer located between the fourth positiveelectrode layer and the fourth negative electrode layer, wherein thefifth portion includes a fifth positive electrode layer, a fifthnegative electrode layer, and a fifth solid electrolyte layer locatedbetween the fifth positive electrode layer and the fifth negativeelectrode layer, wherein the fourth portion and the fifth portion are incontact with each other, the fifth portion is sharply bent relative tothe fourth portion, the fourth solid electrolyte layer contains a fourthbinder, the fifth solid electrolyte layer contains a fifth binder, thefifth solid electrolyte layer containing the fifth binder has higherflexibility than a flexibility of the fourth solid electrolyte layercontaining the fourth binder, the first layer, the second layer, and thecollector layer are stacked together, a first side of the collectorlayer is in contact with the first negative electrode layer and thesecond negative electrode layer, a second side of the collector layer isin contact with the fourth positive electrode layer and the fifthpositive electrode layer, and the second portion, the collector layer,and the fifth portion are bent in the same direction.
 11. The batteryaccording to claim 10, wherein the second portion, the collector layer,and the fifth portion are bent toward a side on which the fourth portionlies, and the fifth portion has a smaller width than a width of thesecond portion.
 12. The battery according to claim 10, wherein thesecond portion, the collector layer, and the fifth portion are benttoward a side on which the first portion lies, and the second portionhas a smaller width than a width of the fifth portion.
 13. The batteryaccording to claim 10, wherein the first layer includes a third portion,the third portion includes a third positive electrode layer, a thirdnegative electrode layer, and a third solid electrolyte layer locatedbetween the third positive electrode layer and the third negativeelectrode layer, wherein the first portion and the third portion are incontact with each other, the third portion is sharply bent relative tothe first portion, the third solid electrolyte layer contains a thirdbinder, the third solid electrolyte layer containing the third binderhas higher flexibility than the flexibility of the first solidelectrolyte layer containing the first binder, wherein the second layerincludes a sixth portion, and the sixth portion includes a sixthpositive electrode layer, a sixth negative electrode layer, and a sixthsolid electrolyte layer located between the sixth positive electrodelayer and the sixth negative electrode layer, wherein the fourth portionand the sixth portion are in contact with each other, the sixth portionis sharply bent relative to the fourth portion, the sixth solidelectrolyte layer contains a sixth binder, the sixth solid electrolytelayer containing the sixth binder has higher flexibility than theflexibility of the fourth solid electrolyte layer containing the fourthbinder, the first side of the collector layer is in contact with thefirst negative electrode layer, the second negative electrode layer, andthe third negative electrode layer, the second side of the collectorlayer is in contact with the fourth positive electrode layer, the fifthpositive electrode layer, and the sixth positive electrode layer, andthe third portion, the collector layer, and the sixth portion are bentin the same direction.
 14. The battery according to claim 13, whereinthe third portion, the collector layer, and the sixth portion are benttoward a side on which the first portion lies, and the third portion hasa smaller width than a width of the sixth portion.
 15. The batteryaccording to claim 13, wherein the third portion, the collector layer,and the sixth portion are bent toward a side on which the fourth portionlies, and the sixth portion has a smaller width than a width of thethird portion.